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christmas

10 Things I’ve Been Up To These Last Few Months

January 13, 2016

Long time no talk, peeps! I know I’ve been crazy busy but that’s no excuse. The goal is to come on here at least weekly now (for some really fun reasons) and to just chat. I thought it would be fun to talk about the things I’ve been up to since last updating you in the summer (eek).

1. We’re having a baby!

I’ll start out with the most exciting stuff. B and I are pregnant with a baby girl. We just found out on Monday that it was a girl so that means (for those moms out there) that I am 20 weeks and 2 days. And for those non-moms just over a 5 months pregnant. Super exciting. Half way done. I’ll update you more on Sunday. The goal will be to update weekly on my status on Sundays. Or at least every other Sunday.

msgiggles-baby1

2. I was hacked 🙁

I meant to come on and update you, however ALL of my websites were hacked so I’ve been spending spare time lately just trying to fix what the hackers broke. I had to delete some blog posts, so you might notice that. Hopefully most will get fixed in time but there were 500 posts that needed fixing. Hopefully that won’t take too long.

3. I’m reading a book

Currently reading: Bringing Up Bébé

I rented it from the library and so far I’m in love. It’s an amazing book with no-nonsense advice from French mothers. I love their style and realize it’s going to be difficult for me to retrain the way I think about certain things in order to use some of these strategies. It should be interesting to say the least.

4. Thinking about winning the Powerball

You know the powerball is tomorrow night and it would be so nice to win. Just saying. What would you do if you won the lottery. I think I would still work but I would travel a million times more. I would also have to figure out a plan to keep my children grounded as I don’t want them to grow up spoiled.

5. We spent Thanksgiving in Michigan

We had a lovely and relaxing Thanksgiving in Michigan this year. We enjoyed a deep fried turkey and we also made all the fixings. It was delicious and lovely. Plus going to see B’s mom’s is always relaxing and enjoyable.

msgiggles-thanksgiving

6. We had a fun and fast-paced Christmas and New Year

We attended 3 family Christmas events and just decided to chill out on New Year’s at our favorite restaurant, Muffuletta. Here, it’s easier to show you our holiday with photos:

christmastime-msgiggles

7. The nesting bug hit

I was just sitting on the couch watching TV on the 2nd of January and I realized, I should take down the tree. Then out of now where, I needed to clean out my office! That’s going to be the baby’s room! So I got to work and decided where to move my stuff. B’s office will house my computer and the guest bedroom will now be a combo craft and guest bedroom!

office-msgiggles

8. Lots of changes at work

We are merging departments. We are moving to a new building in Woodbury at the end of March. We are getting new processes in place that will make our jobs better and more efficient. In general everything is changing and I love it. Especially the new building. It’s right by my OB and about 15 minutes closer to home. SCORE!

new-af-msgiggles

9. Love/hate relationship with Pinterest

When I found out I was pregnant, I downloaded an app. All the information that was available was seriously overwhelming that I didn’t want to even look at Pinterest. I took a 3 month break from that website. Recently, I have found myself slowly creeping back. I’m getting all sorts of ideas, advice, etc. Here is my board to check out (if you want).

Follow amanda’s board Babies on Pinterest.

10. I’m super happy

We are really lucky and I am getting more and more excited for every passing day. It has gone by so quickly and I’m halfway done. It doesn’t feel real yet. I am mixed between scared shitless and super jazzed. It’s really happening and I still can’t believe it.

More to come this weekend.

2013 Gift Guides: Home Decorator

November 25, 2013

Being in love with your home is a great thing! For the home decorator on your list, consider buying a comforting throw, unique word art specific to your city/town, or a fun artful piece that has both form and function, like the mirror or nespresso maker! Happy shopping!

2013-gift-guides-home

  1. Enchanted Mirror
  2. London Poster Art
  3. Accent Side Table
  4. Softest Throws
  5. Fox Ornament
  6. Nespresso Pure Orange
  7. Marquee Word Love
  8. Industrial Task Desk
  9. Armless Accent Chair

Not into home decor? Try one of the other gift guides:

2013 Gift Guides: Gadget Nerd Ideas

November 19, 2013

I love technology…and I think these are such fun and cool gift ideas for the people in your life that don’t really “need” anything. I really love all of these products and think they are top notch. One is even on my wish list! 😉

Start planning your shopping lists…Black Friday is coming soon!

2013-gift-guides-gadget-nerds

1. Nest Thermostat

2. Jawbone Jambox

3. Nike Fuelband

4. iPhone Case

5. Drone

6. Camera Harness

7. Camera

When do you usually do your holiday shopping? 

Recipe: Christmas Cake Pops

December 21, 2011

Are you ready to impress everyone at your Christmas party? I have the perfect recipe for you. These cake pops have taken off over the past few years, in fact, many people have included them in their weddings. They are the perfect little treat.  All of the ingredients can be purchased at Walmart or Michaels. Unfortunately, I did not check Target (although they might have them). Enjoy!

Christmas Cake Pops

Makes ~44

Printable Shopping List

Ingredients

– 1 yellow box cake mix
– 1 tub of frosting (I used green)
– 1 package candy melts
– Wax Paper
– Lollipop sticks
Optional: Sprinkles
Optional: Gift bags and Ribbon

Directions

1. Bake the cake, according to the cake’s instructions. Let sit for at least 15 minutes after taking out of the oven.
2. Now the fun part. After the cake has cooled completely, CRUMBLE cake in a large bowl.
3. Slowly mix in 3/4 of the tub of frosting with your clean hands (you won’t need to use the whole tub–but you can save the rest for later consumption).
4. Roll cake dough into quarter sized balls (should make around 40-45) and place onto baking sheet.
5. Melt your Candy Melts according to the package directions in a microwave safe bowl.
6. Dip the tip of your lollipop stick into the melted candy and place half way through the cake ball.
7. Place in the refrigerator to stiffen for about 15-20 minutes.
8. Insert cake pop into the melted candy with care. This part is difficult, to get a smooth outer you will want to take your time, but you can get creative and create cool swirls, and add sprinkles or other fun things.
9. Place in a styrofoam block to dry. This drying time can take 30 minutes to 1 hour. It depends on the environment.
10. Optional: Once dry, wrap in a pretty wrapper and tie with a bow.

These are a big hit wherever you go, so they are worth the time. Let me know below if you have questions or how everyone liked them.

What is your favorite holiday treat?